William Murdoch

William Murdoch was born in 1754 at Bello Mill Farm, near Cumnock in Ayrshire. He was said to have carried out early experiments in a cave on the banks of the River Lugar. In his mid twenties he walked from Ayrshire to Birmingham to find work at famous Soho works of James Watt and Matthew Boulton.

In September 1779 Murdoch was sent to Redruth in Cornwall as a senior engine erector, responsible for the erection, maintenance & repair of Boulton & Watt engines. These were used for pumping water out of the Cornish Tin mines, and therefore the efficiency and efficacy of the engines was an important factor in the amount of tin, and money, which could be extracted from a mine. At that time steam engines were not simply sold to customers but operated, and maintained by the builders for groups or individuals known as 'adventurers' (shareholders). The engine manufacturers were paid not for a completed engine but through a complex formula calculated on the basis of that engine's performance, as Watt described:
Our profits arise not from making the engine, but from a certain proportion of the savings in fuel which we make over any common engine, that raises the same quantity of water to the same height.

Therefore, Murdoch's skill in getting the most out of his engines directly impacted upon Boulton and Watts profits. This he did so successfully that by 1782 Boulton was writing:
We want more Murdocks, for of all others he is the most active man and best engine erector I ever saw...When I look at the work done it astonishes me & is entirely owing to the spirit and activity of Murdoch who hath not gone to bed 3 of the nights.
Due to the frequent problems which could occur with steam engines Murdoch was kept busy travelling around the area repairing and attempting to improve the performance of the engines under his care.

In 1779 Watt and Boulton sent Murdoch to Cornwall, where he made his home in Cross Street, Redruth from 1782 to 1798. All his spare time was spent in design and innovation and he is believed to have been the first in Britain to construct and use a steam-powered road going vehicle. This was in 1785.

In 1792 William Murdoch was the first person in the world to light his house and office by piped coal gas. This laid the foundation for the gas industry of today. Murdoch House in Cross Street, Redruth has been fully restored and now houses various local bodies as well as a coffee moring every Friday.

Among the other successes of William Murdoch include a working model of a low pressure steam locomotive. He also invented a process for clearing beer. Murdoch returned to Birmingham in 1799 to continue his work with Boulton and Watt. He died there in 1839.

A Few of Murdoch's Inventions

Marine Engine

Gas Light

Oscillating Steam Engine

Sun and Planet Gear

Long D Slide Valve

Murdoch Flyer

About us

Redruth 2000 is a charity organization that is responsible for the maintenance, rental and upkeep of Murdoch House located in the heart of Redruth, Cornwall.

Murdoch House is a community gathering place for groups and organizations to conduct meetings, provide information or to have a small social gathering. Redruth 2000 has morning cofee, tea and biscuits each Friday of the week. The house is in use regularly so please contact us to schedule an event.

CGMP, the Corninsh Global Migration Project is located upstairs of the house and is a source of the Cornish Diaspora and history of Cornish Miners who travelled the world.

Our Murdoch Day Celebration

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A few of our user groups and what they do.

Cafe Scientifique

Cafe Scientifique is a place where, for the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology.

Cafés usually begin with conversation, a glass of wine or juice and something to eat. At about 7.15, there is a short talk from a speaker on a scientific topic. After this there is another break to allow glasses to be refilled, plates to be re-stocked and conversations to be continued. This is followed by questions and answers and general discussion. Anyone can ask a question and we positively welcome those which begin "This might be a stupid question, but ...".

Cafe Scientifique Redruth

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University of the Third Age

The University of the Third Age (U3A) movement is a unique and exciting organisation which provides, through its U3As, life-enhancing and life-changing opportunities. Retired and semi-retired people come together and learn together, not for qualifications but for its own reward: the sheer joy of discovery!
Members share their skills and life experiences: the learners teach and the teachers learn, and there is no distinction between them.
The U3A movement is supported by its national organisation, the Third Age Trust.

TownsWomen's Guild

Members of Townswomen's Guilds offer each other support and stability in an increasingly fragmented society, with each member benefiting from a strong national movement that has remained a cornerstone for thousands of women across the UK.

Alongside all this worthy and serious work, members nationwide have plenty of time for friendship and fun. Meeting as part of a local 'Guild' usually once a month, either during the daytime or in the evening, Townswomen enjoy a huge range of recreational activities such as talks, social studies, hobbies, arts & crafts, competitions, socialising and organised trips. Other pursuits have also continued to expand, and sports such as bowls, tennis, golf and swimming are actively pursued by many Guilds.
So join today and become part of the camaraderie and friendship that goes with being a member of the Townswomen's Guilds.

Trevithick Society

The Society aims to encourage an interest in Industrial Archaeology through lectures, outings and other meetings and by publishing the results of individual research through its website, journal and other publications.
It encourages the preservation of engine houses and other industrial buildings of worth as a significant part of Cornwall’s heritage.
The Society encourages the sympathetic re-use of redundant industrial buildings along with the statutory protection and preservation of prime examples of all types. It sees recording as an important part of its work where the preservation of a monument is not possible.

It showed a lady fitted out with a fur hat and fur boa who sat upright, raising a heavy fur muff that covered the whole of her lower arm towards the viewer. Gregor then turned to look out the window at the dull weather. Drops of rain could be heard hitting the pane, which made him feel quite sad. Gregor then turned to look out the window at the dull weather. Drops of rain could be heard hitting the pane, which made him feel quite sad.